Dear Friends,
Last week, I overheard a Corpsmember quietly share with his supervisor and his crew mates,
“I’m grateful for the roof over my head and for my job.”
Every day I am reminded how important it is that the Corps keeps working, and how blessed we all are to be able to be there for these young people through good times and bad.
Last week was also the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. We were lucky to have Los Angeles’ first ever City Forest Officer, Rachel Malarich, join some of our team members in the latest edition of our new podcast. She reflected on what trees and those who plant them mean to the future of the city:
“I’m excited for the potential of having Corpsmembers be ambassadors in their neighborhoods to talk about urban forestry and trees.”
For more than 30 years, Corpsmembers have been a part of the city’s history. Some alumni can still point to the trees they planted or the parks they built. Today’s Corpsmembers will never forget the homes where they delivered food or the faces of the grateful neighbors they helped.
Next week, we would have been gathering together in the LA State Historic Park for our annual Spring Luncheon. It is a highlight of our year, a time to celebrate Corpsmember achievements, thank our friends and partners, and look to our future.
It is also a time when we raise much needed funds to ensure that the Corps continues to transform lives. Even though we cannot gather together right now, we will find ways to celebrate and say thank you. But, we still need those funds today.
Please help me keep these amazing young people employed and serving as ambassadors to their neighborhoods. Make a gift today.
Thank you for being a part of the history and future of the Corps and of Los Angeles.
Together we are transforming lives.
Yours in service and gratitude,
Wendy Butts
Chief Executive Officer
LA Conservation Corps
P.S. The recent CARES Act expanded the rules for deducting charitable contributions to organizations like the Corps. You may now be able to claim a deduction for any charitable gifts you make this year. Consult your tax advisor and make a gift today.